Hobbies: Use Plexiglas to make a memorable holiday ornament

When I was in kindergarten, we made holiday ornaments from clay. My friends created Christmas trees and candy canes, while I fashioned a bright yellow flower.

SANDI GENOVESESANDI GENOVESE

When I was in kindergarten, we made holiday ornaments from clay. My friends created Christmas trees and candy canes, while I fashioned a bright yellow flower.

As crazy as it looked on our family Christmas tree, we still hung it every year. And it was joined by my brother's creation, a snowman made from a plastic golf ball, and my sister's Santa, clearly a walnut in disguise.

We kept and displayed them each and every year. We have them still, and although our holiday tree was laden with beautiful ornaments, none had the significance or the ability to make us laugh like those ornaments we made in kindergarten.

It's easy to begin your own holiday tradition with your family by creating Plexiglas ornaments that celebrate each family member. And don't forget your pets!

Plexiglas is available at any hardware or home-improvement store, and the price usually includes several cuts, allowing you to specify the size you want. The size can vary, but I like a 3-inch square.

Drill two small holes at the top for hanging the ornament with silk cord or ribbon and decorate the surface with white rub-on words, snowflakes and rhinestone stickers.

What makes these ornaments special is the addition of a photo, which personalizes them and elevates them from a simple holiday project to a truly memorable craft that is certain to be saved and displayed every year.

I like to complete the ornaments by having each family member sign and date a paper that is fastened to the back (behind the photo).